In the quiet, wooded stretches of Stewart County, Tennessee, near the Kentucky border, a routine domestic call turned into a high-stakes manhunt that has gripped the community and drawn resources from multiple law enforcement agencies. Early on Friday, May 1, 2026, authorities responded to a residence on Old Paris Highway after reports of a shooting. What they encountered was a scene of chaos: a wounded woman who had fled her home in a vehicle, shell casings scattered nearby, and her husband, Craig Berry, vanishing into the dense surrounding forest before deputies could reach the scene.

Craig Berry, a 44-year-old retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran with extensive survival training, is now the subject of an intense, multi-day search. He faces charges of second-degree attempted murder following the alleged domestic altercation that left his wife—a local teacher at Stewart County High School—hospitalized with serious injuries. As of the latest updates, Berry remains at large, described repeatedly by officials as armed and dangerous.

The incident reportedly began around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. According to details shared by Sheriff Frankie Gray, Berry allegedly assaulted his wife inside their home. She managed to escape to her vehicle in an attempt to flee. Berry reportedly pursued her, firing shots—evidence photos released by authorities show at least eleven shell casings at the scene. The wife was able to drive away and call 911 despite her injuries. Deputies arrived around 1:30 a.m., but Berry had already fled on foot into the nearby woods.

Trail camera footage, often referred to in reports as capturing CCTV-like evidence from the area, has become a crucial piece of the investigation. Images released by the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office show Berry, dressed in camouflage clothing, moving through the rural terrain shortly after the incident. He is believed to be carrying at least one handgun and extra ammunition. The photos highlight his preparedness and familiarity with the environment, raising concerns among investigators that his military background could make him particularly elusive.

Berry’s profile adds layers of complexity to the search. As a retired Special Forces operator, he possesses advanced skills in survival tactics, navigation, evasion, and living off the land—capabilities honed over years of service. Officials note he knows the local area well, including its dense forests, waterways, and rugged terrain near the Cumberland River region. He is described as an excellent swimmer, further expanding the possible escape routes authorities must consider.

Law enforcement’s response has been robust. The Stewart County Sheriff’s Office quickly mobilized, joined by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Homeland Security, and later the U.S. Marshals Service. Search efforts focused on areas from Gray’s Landing to Highway 232 and River Trace Road. K-9 units were deployed, and overnight searches continued in the challenging woodland environment. Despite these efforts, the intensive wooded search was scaled back by Saturday morning as teams exhausted initial leads, though patrols and monitoring remain active.

Sheriff Gray has publicly urged residents to remain vigilant, lock their doors, and check trail cameras on their properties for any signs of Berry. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that he received “outside help” from acquaintances or has moved beyond the immediate area. Berry is not believed to have a phone or other communication devices, which both hinders and complicates tracking efforts. The search is expected to be a “lengthy process” given his training and the geography.

The victim, whose name has not been widely released, was transported to a medical facility. Her exact condition has not been publicly detailed beyond reports of serious injuries from the shooting. As a teacher in the local school system, her colleagues and the broader Stewart County community have expressed shock and concern. The Stewart County School District confirmed her employment, underscoring the personal toll on a tight-knit rural area where residents often know one another through schools, churches, and community events.

This case highlights ongoing challenges in responding to domestic violence incidents, particularly when the suspect has specialized military training. Domestic altercations can escalate rapidly, and in rural settings with vast wooded areas, the window for immediate apprehension can close quickly. Berry’s evasion tactics appear to have exploited exactly that—disappearing into terrain that favors someone with his expertise while law enforcement assembles a coordinated response.

Broader questions have emerged about support systems for veterans transitioning to civilian life. While most veterans integrate successfully, cases involving those with elite combat training occasionally surface in high-profile incidents, prompting discussions on mental health resources, domestic violence prevention, and community awareness. Stewart County, with its mix of farmland, forests, and proximity to military installations in the region, is no stranger to veteran residents, but this event has brought renewed attention to these issues.

As the manhunt enters its fourth and fifth days, tension lingers in the community. Residents report increased police presence, with staging areas near local landmarks like the Old Oak Point Restaurant. Tips continue to come in, but no confirmed sightings have led to an arrest. Authorities emphasize that Berry should not be approached and any information should be directed immediately to 911.

The release of the trail camera images has served a dual purpose: aiding the search while reminding the public of the suspect’s appearance and potential movement patterns. In camouflage, Berry blends into the environment that has become his temporary refuge. His military-honed ability to remain hidden tests the limits of modern law enforcement technology and manpower in rural America.

This story resonates beyond Stewart County because it taps into deeper fears— the idea that danger can erupt in seemingly peaceful homes and that trained individuals can vanish into the wilderness. It also showcases the dedication of local and state agencies working around the clock, coordinating with federal partners, to bring resolution.

For the victim’s family, colleagues, and students, the waiting is agonizing. Schools and community groups have likely rallied in support, a common response in small Tennessee towns facing tragedy. Domestic violence hotlines, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, have been referenced in coverage as resources for those in similar situations.

As investigators pursue every lead—from analyzing potential escape routes to interviewing associates—the dense forests of Stewart County hold their secrets for now. Craig Berry’s evasion, captured in those grainy trail camera frames, represents both a tactical success born of training and a desperate flight from accountability. Law enforcement remains confident that persistence, community vigilance, and time will eventually close the net.

The resolution of this manhunt will not only bring justice for the victim but also provide closure to a community on edge. In the meantime, the woods near Old Paris Highway stand as a stark backdrop to a drama of alleged violence, military prowess, and an ongoing pursuit that underscores the thin line between safety and uncertainty in rural America. Officials continue to update the public as developments unfold, hoping the next trail camera image or resident tip will mark the end of the search.